Three individuals from Foley have been sentenced for their involvement in drug, fraud, and identity theft crimes. Zachary Heaton Thaggard, 32, Randall Lee Cahoon, 45, and Cheryl Ann Morgan, 73, pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, bank fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft.

Court documents reveal that between February 2022 and November 2023, the defendants conspired to steal checks and personal identifying information from the mail. These stolen materials were then used for fraudulent bank transactions. Notable incidents include Morgan cashing a counterfeit check in Robertsdale in February 2022, Thaggard leaving behind counterfeit checks at a gas station in Loxley in January 2023, and Cahoon conducting fraudulent transactions at a credit union in Foley in October 2023. When arrested, Cahoon was found with counterfeit checks, stolen cards, blank check stock, counterfeit money, drugs, and paraphernalia. Evidence of the fraud scheme was discovered on his cell phone.

In November 2023, narcotics agents arrested Thaggard in Atmore with half a kilogram of fentanyl found in his vehicle. Thaggard admitted his involvement in the drug-trafficking and fraud conspiracies during his plea. His cell phone also contained incriminating evidence.

United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose sentenced Thaggard to 30 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release with conditions including drug testing and mental health treatment. No fine was imposed; however, he must pay $300 in special assessments.

Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock sentenced Cahoon to 75 months in prison with five years of supervised release under similar conditions as Thaggard's but also including credit restrictions. Morgan received time served with three years of supervised release under credit restrictions. Cahoon is required to pay $2,468.80 in victim restitution and $200 in special assessments while Morgan must pay $350 in victim restitution and $100 in special assessments.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama.

The investigation into the fraud case involved the United States Postal Inspection Service along with local police departments from Foley and Summerdale as well as the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. The Drug Enforcement Administration collaborated with local law enforcement agencies for the drug case investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted these cases on behalf of the United States.